Virginia Gauntlet

EXERCISE VIRGINIA GAUNTLET

In April 2012 the Royal Marines Sports Association (RMSA) will launch an ambitious sports tour to the east coast of the United States, Encompassing 17 different sports and in excess of 250 RM personnel; it will be the biggest undertaking of its kind for a generation. This endeavour provides an opportunity to switch focus from war fighting and the attritional operational programme of recent years to a competitive and worthwhile physical challenge. It will embrace the friendly rivalry and camaraderie that already exists with our oldest allies and brothers in arms the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The operational tempo in recent years and the increasing demands on our personnel has challenged the ability to sustain the fabric of our sporting prowess and reduced the once routine exposure to athletic pursuits for our marines.

Exercise Virginia Gauntlet is recognition of the need to balance the lives of serving Royal Marines and provide suitable and rewarding opportunities for competitive and challenging fixtures or events. We ask a great deal of our personnel and continue to attract extremely accomplished sportsmen into our ranks, it is fitting therefore that this RMSA tour will provide for many the first glimpse of foreign shores where they don’t have to don helmet and body armour such it the nature of modern day Royal Marines lives.

In addition to proposed fixture with the USMC there will be various interactions with civilian clubs and teams as well as other US military establishments. Exercise Virginia Gauntlet promises to be an uplifting and enjoyable experience for all participants and a chance to bank some legendry memories and ‘dits’ in abundance. For those seeking to engage on this not to be missed event contact your UPTI in the first instance or speak with the RMSA office.